EU-US agree on data sharing deal on security and terrorism

6 years in the making, the deal comes in the wake of mass surveillance by the U.S. in 2013. It now grants EU citizens the same rights as those enjoyed by American citizens.

Lawmakers from the European Parliament has backed a data-sharing with the US on core issues such as security and terrorism. This deal will safeguard the exchange of data between the two national authorities.

This deal comes in the wake of mass U.S. spying in 2013, which put considerable strain to EU-US relations due to privacy concerns on what law enforcing agencies plan on doing with the amassed data.

On December 1, the EU’s Parliamentary Committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs is expected to provide its approval for the deal.

The deal, 6 years in the making, is an umbrella agreement aimed at safeguarding personal data such as names, addresses, exchange of criminal records between law enforcement and judicial authorities in criminal investigations.

“EU citizens will have the same rights as U.S. citizens when they seek judicial redress before U.S. courts. This is a major step for the enforcement of fundamental rights for EU citizens,” said Axel Voss, a lawmaker from the EU, in a statement.